I hvae a '75 850 MKIII that needs a lot of work.

The best part it is not a basket case.

I have inherited my late father's Norton Commando MKIII last year, and I have a lot of affection for this bike. The problem has been college, rebuilding a 1976 BMW and the economy to really get it back road worthy. I am hoping that the resurgence of the old Britt bikes and the growing popularity of the Cafe' Bikes are providing great after market parts. I have been researching but I have a lot of questions with the known problems I have with this MKIII (aside from it being British and Lucas).

I need the master cylinder for the front brake overhauled and repaired. The last time we had the bike running, the front brake was always mushy and I had to pump it. I also need the four mounting bolts to bolt it to the control assembly. Where can I find parts, or would it be better for me to send it to OldBritts to have it done?

The wiring harness needs an overhaul. Where can I find the proper gauges and length of wires to do this?

I need the seals the go between the carbs to the airbox.

Are there better tires to run? I still have the original wheels, but gladly me and my dad when I was 17 replaced the barrings. (29 now).

The real kicker is is that I cannot find the keys for it. We moved from Florida to Tennessee and have not be able to locate the keys for sometime. Where can I find a new ignition control (I think that is the term) with a new set of keys that will fit? I have a battery charged and ready to see if the electric systems are still working, just no commencer keys.

What the bike really needs is an absolute overhaul, notably the engine. That will have to wait, but I really want to get it fired up.

Thank you all.

The only thing Lucas makes that doesn't suck is a vacuum cleaner.

Welcome. You've come to the right place. Lot's of wisdom from all over the planet here!
http://www.oldbritts.com is a great source for parts. Damn near EVERYTHING is available. Use the SEARCH function, lot's to learn before ordering parts, like front brake master cyclinder sleeving for better power, wire harness repair, etc.
Pics are helpfull... post some please. You should fill out your user profile, location, etc. , It'll help people help you

Sleeved master cylinder.

Just get a key made.

Plenty of discussion of on tires.

Post pics.

Here is the only one I have of it for the mean time. more will be made probably this weekend with the innards and all.

Thanks everyone. Just want to get it back to running order.

Nice starting point Mauser_6128, all the things you need are available. I think RGM has new ingition switches w/keys, check Norvil too. Welcome.....think about checking out the layshaft bearing in the gear box before doing much or any riding (they have been known to have their cage come apart and release the individual ball bearings loose into the gearbox possibly locking up the rear wheel) pulling in the clutch won't help you if that happens. I Look forward to more of your build thread. Cj

Depending with part of the world you are you can choose from several resellers but the good news is nearly everything to build a Commando is available , either to manufacturer specifications from Andover Norton , or aftermarket design if you prefer .

Mauser_6128 said:

The wiring harness needs an overhaul. Where can I find the proper gauges and length of wires to do this?

Click to expand...

http://www.britishwiring.com/

Mauser_6128 said:

The real kicker is is that I cannot find the keys for it. We moved from Florida to Tennessee and have not be able to locate the keys for sometime. Where can I find a new ignition control (I think that is the term) with a new set of keys that will fit? I have a battery charged and ready to see if the electric systems are still working, just no commencer keys.

Click to expand...

Ignition switches and keys are a mere technicality, if you want to start the bike, connect the white ignition switch wire to the brown/blue.

Welcome, Mauser. Condolences on your Dad's passing, I wish my Dad had been into bikes...

Make sure to get good straight-on side shots in good light, for the "before" pictures. Years from now you'll have a strikingly different, sparkly-spiffy Commando to take "after" shots of.

Before attempting to fire it, check to be sure it isn't wet sumped, drain if needed.

Good luck with the project - looks like a great starting point.

Re keys, it may be a simple as looking on the ignition lock for a stamped number, and if present ordering a new key from any number of suppliers. Otherwise, take the lock to your local locksmith and they will make you one to fit. It will be a standard British key, so probably FS series from memory.

Check out previous posts on this subject too

Jim

AC30/Duo Jet

For that bike I think you should buy a new wiring harness.

Also update your profile with location. Even narrowing it down the correct continent helps.

+1 for Swoosedave. I bought wiring harnesses from Old Britts and found them to be very reasonably priced and much easier than trying to rehab the old one.

Holmeslice said:

AC30/Duo Jet

Click to expand...

Actually it is a Vox Pathfinder 15r. Just acquired the half stack version of it from my local guitar store.

Yes, it does need a new wiring harness, and this will be the first time I will be rewiring...well, anything. My big concern is the which harness I need to get.

I will be draining the old gas and pulling the drain plugs on the carbs before I attempt to fire it up. Then I'll pull the sparking plugs and run the kick through once.

I will see if I can get a new set of keys made for it. I also have to do this to the 1976 BMW R60/6 as well. That one has been overhauled but I have to put the carbs and the air box back on first. That wonderful bike has over 400,000 miles on it.

Thanks again, guys. Will do my best to update as often as possible. School right now takes precedence considering this is my last semester.

Snorton74 said:

I've recently been thru the Indian tank stank. Check for leaks along pinch weld. Use MEK substitute, B.B's, a big cork, and upper body strength. Shake well three times with the B.B's, two with just MEK substitute, and a couple with acetone. Let dry thoroughly, then follow Caswell instructions to the letter.

Click to expand...

Okay, what is the Indian Tank Stank?

I should point out the my level of mechanic(ing) is just three bars above novice.

The black piece bulging out below the airbox. What is that??

edgefinder said:

The black piece bulging out below the airbox. What is that??

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The rest of the airbox?

Mauser_6128 said:

Yes, it does need a new wiring harness, and this will be the first time I will be rewiring...well, anything. My big concern is the which harness I need to get.

Click to expand...

The MkIII one?

Mauser_6128 said:

Yes, it does need a new wiring harness, and this will be the first time I will be rewiring...well, anything. My big concern is the which harness I need to get.

Click to expand...

A harness for an 850 MkIII would seem the obvious choice although the MkIII 'harness' is actually made up of various sections, main, headlamp, ignition, etc..

http://britmoto.com/manuals/Manuals/8503e_pt.pdf

http://britmoto.com/manuals/Manuals/850_man.pdf

edgefinder said:

The black piece bulging out below the airbox. What is that??

Click to expand...

The black rubber hoses that lead from the airbox to the carbs.

L.A.B. said:

Mauser_6128 said:

Yes, it does need a new wiring harness, and this will be the first time I will be rewiring...well, anything. My big concern is the which harness I need to get.

Click to expand...

A harness for an 850 MkIII would seem the obvious choice although the MkIII 'harness' is actually made up of various sections, main, headlamp, ignition, etc..

http://britmoto.com/manuals/Manuals/8503e_pt.pdf

Click to expand...

Looking on the website that was provided for the wiring harnesses, it has two, one for the head lamp and I am guessing the "main" harness. Thing is I do not see the large red wires for the negative side (I am familiar with positive ground).

Again, a lot of this will be fairly new for me on the hands on aspect.